Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi

Rear Admiral Luigi Sinapi is a distinguished Italian naval officer and hydrographer who was elected to serve as the Secretary-General of the International Hydrographic Organization (IHO) for a three-year term beginning on September 1, 2026.

With a career spanning over three decades, Admiral Sinapi has built extensive expertise in naval command, scientific research, and international diplomacy. Prior to his election as Secretary-General, he served as a Director at the IHO for six years. His earlier leadership roles include serving as the Director of the Italian Hydrographic Institute and National Hydrographer (2015-2020), as well as commanding various naval vessels and serving in high-level positions within NATO.

An accomplished academic, Admiral Sinapi holds advanced qualifications in physics, maritime and naval sciences, international diplomacy, and marine geomatics. Throughout his career, he has been a prominent figure in global hydrographic standards, seabed mapping initiatives, and the strengthening of international cooperation among regional hydrographic commissions.